Lady with a Red Box
Artist
Unknown
Date18th century
Creation PlaceChina
MediumSilk and pigment
Dimensionsimage: 181.1 x 83.7 cm. (71 5/16 x 32 15/16 in.)
overall: 274 x 97.6 cm. (107 7/8 x 38 7/16 in.)
overall: 274 x 97.6 cm. (107 7/8 x 38 7/16 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Miss Florance Waterbury
Terms
Object number1957.157
Label TextThis painting illustrates the legend of a Chinese princess whose lover was engaged in combat with a rival prince who owned a magic red box which could assure victory to its owner. The princess stole into the enemy’s camp at night and took the red box from under the pillow of her lover’s rival while he was asleep. In the painting she is shown rushing back to her lover with the box in her arms.
Influenced by Western art, figure paintings by professional Chinese painters active during the Qing dynasty became more realistic. The full-length depiction of the princess shown in a striking pose, the detailed rendering of the garment, the subtle delineation and shading of the facial features gives us a sense of being in the presence of a real person. The fluttering ribbons which enhance a sense of movement do however also serve to endow the princess with a sense of other-worldliness.
ProvenanceMiss Florance Waterbury, New York NYOn View
Not on view
